Atom transfer radical cyclisation reactions mediated by copper complexes

This article describes recent advances in the use of copper complexes in mediating atom transfer radical cyclisation reactions (ATRC). Recent developments have included the design of activated complexes which mediate the cyclisation of tri-, di-, and mono-halo derived substrates at ambient temperatures. Using this methodology, cyclisation to give a variety of ring sizes (4-18 membered rings) has been demonstrated. In addition tandem and radical-polar crossover reactions have also been developed. The design of solid supported and perfluorous complexes that mediate cyclisations may make this approach to the synthesis of rings more attractive towards industrial applications.